Pearson's Pinch Hit Drives Kernels to 2-1 Win

MIDLAND, MICH. - A two-run, pinch-hit single by Jacob Pearson was the difference in the Cedar Rapids Kernels' 2-1 triumph Wednesday against the Great Lakes Loons at Dow Diamond. Cedar Rapids (18-8, 50-45) entered the contest with an 0-28 mark when trailing after eight innings this season before pulling out its come-from-behind win at Great Lakes (8-18, 32-62).
The Kernels turned their one-run deficit into a one-run victory in the ninth inning. Andrew Bechtold drew a leadoff walk before he was forced out after a groundball from Jared Akins. Ben Rodriguez's pinch-hit single allowed Akins to reach third base, and Rodriguez advanced to second on the throw. Pearson batted next and produced a pinch hit of his own to drive both runners in for a 2-1 Cedar Rapids advantage.

Great Lakes scored in the seventh for a 1-0 lead that lasted until the final frame. Hunter Feduccia led off the bottom of the seventh with a double and moved up following a fly out from Brock Carpenter. Brayan Morales doubled and brought in Feduccia to put the Loons ahead.
Wednesday's contest was scoreless over the first six-and-a-half innings primarily due to strong starts from Cedar Rapids' Edwar Colina and Great Lakes' Alfredo Tavarez. Colina posted seven strikeouts over a season-high-tying six shutout innings. Tavarez tallied five strikeouts in five frames within his scoreless outing.
Calvin Faucher (3-3) was credited with the victory Wednesday while Kevin Marnon stranded the potential game-tying run in the ninth for his second save. Sven Schueller (0-2) was charged with a blown save and a loss. Cedar Rapids took a 1-0 lead within its three-game series to begin a six-game road trip.
This series continues Thursday at 7:05 p.m. ET (6:05 p.m. CT) with Kernels left-hander Tyler Watson (2-4, 5.44) and Loons southpaw Bryan Warzek (0-0, -.--) listed as the probable pitchers. Broadcast coverage with Chris Kleinhans-Schulz will be available on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and also online at www.kmryradio.com and www.kernels.com.
Cedar Rapids' next homestand begins Wednesday, July 25 and continues through Sunday, July 29. Fans can purchase tickets for all Cedar Rapids home games by visiting www.kernels.com, going to the Kernels Ticket Office, or calling (319) 896-7560. The Kernels Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.